Schultz vs. The World: Week 10 predictions in the CFL

Chris Schultz8/26/2014 1:07:28 PM

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TSN football analyst Chris Schultz is back with his Week 10 selections in the CFL. The Big Man finished 3-1 in Week 9, and sits at 21-16 on the season in Schultz vs. The World. Now Schultz is ready for more action, including his pick of the Stamps beating the Eskimos in the game of the week.

Ottawa Redblacks at Montreal Alouettes

Week 10 begins with a bit of a desperation situation for both Montreal and Ottawa. The winner generates some hope and optimism that this is a possible playoff season. Without that goal in sight, pro football can become a major grind game after game.

For Ottawa the question is: Can they win games and enhance personnel? It is tough to do because with every change in player, a change in chemistry happens between players and often reflects in poor team play. I think the Redblacks have found something really good in Antoine Pruneau at Linebacker. Against Calgary he was everywhere and reminds me a little of J.C. Sherritt in Edmonton. If the Redblacks can find another two or three Antoine Pruneau's they will be on their way to a very good defence.

In Montreal it's about the quarterback. A repetitive statement, I know, but just about every other aspect of Alouettes football is competitively good. I know I am supposed to be independent in my analysis and biased only in my mind but I would like Jonathan Crompton to do well and establish himself as a talent so the Alouettes of today resemble the Alouettes of yesterday in the second half of the season. Here's to a good game! Montreal wins by 3.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Saskatchewan Roughriders

I wish I could go to this game. I would definitely buy a ticket.

The Riders rushed for 228 yards against only 56 by BC last Sunday night and that says a lot. B.C. has a formidable front seven especially at linebacker with Elimimian and Bighill and 228 yards says dominant line play for the Riders. Whether it is Anthony Allen or Will Ford - or both - George Cortez has the best running attack in CFL football. Can Winnipeg stop it? Often when a team has extreme success in a key area of basic football, running the ball, it is difficult to duplicate because it becomes priority number one to stop for the opposition that week. Winnipeg will study that B.C. video and make stopping Allen and Ford top priority.

In Winnipeg last week was fourth-quarter, come-from-behind win number four for Drew Willy. It seems he continues to progress each and every week and no matter the stress level for him it is manageable. This one is too close to make a profound statement of possible dominance as history says the Bombers play their collective best on this Sunday every year. But… Riders by 4.

Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

I have driven by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' new stadium about 10 times just to check out is progress since the last season ended. It is a major construction site and for those going to the stadium please be careful and don't take any short cuts to get to where you want to go. Right now, no doubt, this will be awkward for everyone involved, but Tim Hortons Field will be an excellent football and sports facility when completed and, realistically, that's probably June 1, 2015. I originally did not like the open end zone concept but I now can see how it could be a good revenue generator and enhance the atmosphere of any event, particularly football. This is similar to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers recent history with Investors Group Field. It was worth the wait and Tim Hortons Field will be the same.

As far as the game, I would not be surprised if Zack Collaros started for Hamilton and I would not be surprised if the true once-in-a-lifetime novelty of opening this stadium made a big difference. Some of my best football memories are Toronto at Hamilton on Labour Day. Logic says Argos win big, emotion says Ticats in a close one. I am not always Logical. Ticats by 3.

Edmonton Eskimos at Calgary Stampeders

This will be the best game of the week and wish I could be there in person. Both teams are on top of their respective games and both teams are very well coached.

I think Calgary will win this one at home and Edmonton will come back and win next Saturday's game at Commonwealth Stadium. I can't remember when this "Battle of Alberta" had both teams at 7-1. Edmonton's only loss this year was against Calgary, 26-22 on July 24. Calgary's only loss this year was by one point with a 25-24 in the last moments of the fourth back on Aug. 1.

These are two very good teams that have are solid organizations in every way. This is the game to watch. Calgary by 3.